Chapter 3: The Federalism

Money from the national government that states can spend within broad guidelines determined by Washington

Conditions of aid

Federal rules attached to the grants that states receive. States must agree to abide by these rules in order to receive the grants.

Devolution

The effort to transfer responsibility for many public programs and services from the federal government to the states.

Dual Federalism

Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept seperate.

Grants-in-aid

Money given by the national government to the states.

Initiative

Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Mandates

Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants.

Necessary & proper

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws "necessary and proper" to its duties, and which has permitted Congress to exercise powers not specifically given to it (enumerated) by the Constitution.

Nullification

The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the Constitution.

Police Power

State power to enact laws promoting health, safety, and morals.

Recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.

Referendum

Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature.

Full Faith and Credit clause

The familiar name used to refer to Article IV, Section 1 of the United States Constitution, which addresses the duties that states within the United States have to respect the "public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.